Staff preview 2027 budget: $20 million across funds with capital projects prioritized

City finance staff provided a 100,000‑foot overview of the proposed 2027 budget, describing structural changes to account coding and noting larger capital priorities. The budget presented totals roughly $20,000,000 across all funds, with capital representing about 60% of that total. Staff highlighted planned capital work including Orleans Avenue construction, design for Northeast phase 1, Western utilities construction, storm drainage design and a public works storage building; a $1.3 million window of one‑time expenses was called out for 2027.

Staff discussed revenue assumptions (property tax growth/CPI plus growth estimated at 4.62%, sales tax conservatively budgeted at $2,000,000), a recommended 10% assumption for health insurance increases, and the addition of one public works employee to address anticipated retirements. Several software investments (permitting integration, time & attendance, content management and park/pavilion management) were proposed to replace fragmented systems and improve efficiency. Staff committed to providing a full detailed budget packet for council review before the scheduled public budget meeting next Monday.